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Help for an old codger

wiflib

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,966
Location
Bristol
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi all.
First, an apology. I seem to ask lots and offer little, but my old Dad needs me to help him.
He's in hospital awaiting by-pass surgery following a failed attempt at placing stents. He is insulin dependent T2 and has been for 20 years. He has all the complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. AFAIK, his regime is a dose of insulin, morning and evening. I don't know how much or which one.
He's doing well considering the truly awful event that put him in hospital three weeks ago.

The situation is this. He is now sitting doing nothing, not good for anyone, let alone an otherwise very mentally alert 84 year old and we are doing things to address this. His blood pressure is so low, 'they' don't want him even walking to the toilet. Last night, he had a major hypo. He has been placed on the standard high carb low fat diet and is bloody hungry. His BS are obviously unstable and I doubt the surgery will go ahead if he is that unstable. It was bad enough watching him rot away at home but knowing it is going on in hospital is killing me.
With his permission, I'm hoping I will be able to talk to his team about his needs and care and their plans for him. Normally eloquent, when it comes to something that I can't just roll of my tongue, I end up getting tongue tied and fail.

Is there any kind soul out there who could offer me a synopsis of the relevant info I need to discuss the possibility of altering his diet and/or insulin regime. I don't even know where to start. Heck, I don't even know what I want. Does a basal/bolus regime work better? I have no knowledge of insulin treatment at all apart from what I have picked up here. I'm T2. Is it very different in the elderly?

Floundering madly, trying to stay positive but failing. I'm working tomorrow, catching babies, that usually cheers me up.

Thanks guys.
Peace, happiness and contentment to all of you.

wiflib

I'm traveling down to see him on the 28th and hope to collar at least a registrar at least once.
 
Although THEY don't like a low carb diet, they might be willing to look at a counted carb approach, if you think it would help. If he could cope,has anyone considered basal/bolus? It gives finer control. Better control would minimise his complications.
Hope he's on the road to recovery soon
Hana
Incidentally, my cousin in the Czech Republic is one of the materials scientists who worked on the alloys they use for stente.
 
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